Sandstone Buddha head, Kingdom of Ayutthaya

€5800,00

Thailand, Ayutthaya kingdom, XIVᵉ-XVIᵉ century
Buddha head in sandstone, slightly larger than human size, probably from a monumental statue.
It reveals a soothed face with half-closed eyes, underlined by fine arched eyebrows. The nose is aquiline, and the thin lips reveal a slight inner smile. The hair is composed of small, tightly beaded locks(ushnisha). A high, flattened bun from which a flame emerges, symbolizing enlightenment and accumulated wisdom, its light dispelling ignorance.
In medieval times, the kingdom of Ayutthaya – deeply rooted in Theravada Buddhism – devoted most of its sculptural output to the image of Buddha. When the capital was sacked in 1767, many effigies were destroyed; this head probably comes from a majestic statue in a temple or public space…
H 35 cm x W 31 cm x D 25 cm (excluding base)
Weight 32.4 kg
Provenance: Collection Claude de Marteau
Sold with certificate of origin